Course Delivery

Assessment

Leading and chairing reading group
Each student leads and chairs one reading group, and their skill in doing this is assessed.

10%

Semester Assessment

Research Journal
(6000 words submitted in two stages) that reviews and critically evaluates the articles discussed within the human geography reading group and connects these to wider debates in human geography.

20%

Semester Assessment

Project Essays
Two essays of no more than 7000 words each, demonstrating a scholarly appreciation of key debates in human geography (one at end of each semester)(35% each essay)

70%

Supplementary Assessment

Preparation of a plan for a reading group discussion on specified readings, identifying key questions, and oral discussion of the plan in a one-to-one interview with a member of staff.

10%

Supplementary Assessment

Research Journal
(6000 words) discusses and reflects upon the themes addressed in the reading groups.

20%

Supplementary Assessment

Project Essays
Two 7000 word project essays addressing the main themes discussed in the formal teaching sessions. (35% for each essay)

70%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

_Sessions on Positioning Human Geography_
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of geographical thought, specifically in relation to key philosophical, epistemological and theoretical debates in human geography;
2. Show an appreciation of the ways in which these concerns have been expressed through cultural, historical, political or social processes;
3. Display knowledge of the ways in which philosophical, epistemological and theoretical issues are addressed through the practising of human geography;
4. Articulate an understanding and position on these debates, especially in relation to their own field of enquiry.

_Human Geography Reading Group_
5. Demonstrate competency in reviewing and critiquing key readings in human geography;
6. Develop a range of skills in individual study, oral discussion, written presentations, and chairing discussions;
7. Evaluate these knowledges and positions within small group discussions containing both postgraduates and staff.

Brief description

This module will provide Master-level students with an advanced knowledge of a broad range of debates within human geography. Students will attend introductory seminars on human geography, the history of geography, and theories of space and time. Students will then choose eleven seminars from those being offered on modules GGM2740 Positioning Cultural and Historical Geography and GGM1440 Positioning Political Geography (see below).

In addition, students undertaking this module will attend human geography seminars delivered by guest academic speakers, and the student-led Human Geography Reading Group in which IGES MA students discuss published readings in human geography.

Content

_Section 2: Optional Seminars in Human Geography (choice of 1 session from 2 each week)_
Session 4: Cultures of Nature and the Environment OR States and Geopolitics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Session 5: Approaches to Landscape OR States and the Political Geographies of Globalisation
Session 6: Colonialism and Post-colonialism OR The State's Changing Forms and Functions
Session 7: Visualities OR The Political Geographies of the Nation
Session 8: Representation/Practice OR Power and Place
Session 9: Material cultures OR Contesting Place
Session 10: Cartographic cultures OR Democracy, Participation and Citizenship
Session 11: Space, place and identity OR Public Policy Communities and Political Geography
Session 12: Modernism and Modernity OR Environmental Geopolitics and Nature Wars
Session 13: Geographies of memory OR More-than-human political geographies

Module Skills

Skills Type

Skills details

Application of Number

Some readings undertaken by students will discuss empirical research based on numerical analysis.

Communication

Oral skills will be developed through the seminars attached to the main sessions and through their participation in the Human Geography Reading Group. Their oral skills are assessed in leading and chairing a reading group. Written communication is assessed through the Journal, in which students are required to critically evaluate selected readings. Written skills are also assessed through the two essays.

Improving own Learning and Performance

Students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study, including extensive reading for the project essays and reading groups. Students will be required to develop self and time-management skills and will receive guidance from the MA coordinator and the module coordinator, and the staff leading each session.

Information Technology

Students will be expected to use information technology in the presentation of their coursework. They will also become competent in using online library and information sources (including Web of Knowledge).

Personal Development and Career planning

The module provides knowledge and understanding that is central to teaching geography at the tertiary and higher education sector level.

Problem solving

Developed through the 7,000 word Project Essays-an independent piece of work demonstrating an appreciation of connections between philosophical, epistemological, theoretical and empirical debates in human geography.

Research skills

Developed through the 7,000 word project essays (see above) and the Journal, which requires readings, note-taking, and critical reflection.

Subject Specific Skills

None: most of the above key skills straddle the boundary between generic M-level skills and subject specific skills in human geography.

Team work

The different elements of this module involve group-based discussions and activities. Team work is also required in the seminars and the reading group, where students are frequently required to discuss concepts and ideas within pairs and within a group setting. The key skills developed here include listening, reflecting, negotiating and debating.